Checklist
The complete open enrollment checklist.
Never miss a deadline with this comprehensive open enrollment checklist. Designed for benefits brokers and HR teams managing employee benefits enrollment.
Open enrollment timeline
Planning & Strategy
Plan Design & Approval
Communication Prep
Pre-Enrollment
Active Enrollment
Finalization
Planning targets to agree with the client
Employee communication templates
Announcement email
Initial communication; a common approach sends it 2-3 weeks before OE opens. Highlights key changes and dates.
Benefits guide
Comprehensive plan comparison with costs, coverage details, and decision support.
Reminder emails
Mid-period and final deadline reminders. Target non-completers specifically.
Confirmation
Post-enrollment confirmation with elected benefits summary and next steps.
Common open enrollment mistakes
Starting Too Late
Rushing leads to poor plan selection, missed negotiations, and stressed employees.
Poor Communication
Single email announcements result in low engagement and confused employees.
Ignoring Dependent Verification
Ineligible dependents cost employers thousands. Verify annually.
Skipping Post-Enrollment Audit
Enrollment errors create year-long headaches. Always audit before submitting.
Make open enrollment effortless.
Planlined automates plan comparisons, contribution modeling, and proposal generation—so you can focus on your clients, not spreadsheets.
Frequently asked questions
When should open enrollment planning begin?
Start 90-120 days before your plan renewal date. This gives adequate time for carrier negotiations, plan design changes, and employee communication preparation.
How long should open enrollment last?
A common design is a 2-4 week enrollment period. Shorter windows (2 weeks) create urgency but may stress employees. Longer periods (4 weeks) accommodate vacations but may lead to procrastination.
What are the most common open enrollment mistakes?
Common mistakes include: starting too late, poor employee communication, not explaining plan changes clearly, missing dependent verification, and failing to confirm carrier eligibility files.